If the school you attended, scheduled counseling sessions with you to help you get adjusted, what cultural competency skills would you want the counselor to be familiar with and what would you want them to know about you?

I would want the counselor to be familiar with cultural competency skills such as being respectful of different cultures and religious beliefs, being non-judgmental, and understanding how diversity can affect personal identity. It is important for the counselor to understand that my background may shape my perceptions of certain issues and therefore it is important for them to be open-minded when offering advice or counseling. Additionally, I would expect the counselor to have an awareness of intersectionality so they can understand the various identities I bring into a counseling session.

In terms of what I would want them to know about me specifically, I would want them to be aware of any trauma or mental health history that could impact their approach toward providing care. Additionally, it’s important for the counselor to be familiar with any particular physical or psychological needs that help me feel comfortable in a counseling session. Lastly, it’s necessary for them to have an understanding of my parents’ cultural backgrounds in order to best support me during difficult times which might require extra empathy due to traditional expectations among different generations within my family.